ACCOmplishments

Manuel The Band at Music Tastes Good, 2018

Manuel The Band at Jam in the Van at Music Tastes Good, September, 2018.

MTB TAKES IT TO THE VAN

MTB Delivered an awesome performance at Music Taste Good that was followed up by a jam session at Jam in the Van! The group recorded three songs: “Casual Love,” “Thinking of You,” and “Strong Independent Woman.” The band featured with some of their closest musicians including Mike Moody and Thomas DaVinci.

It isn’t often that folks like myself happen to catch a band they know nothing about and get completely blown away. This my friends, is one of those times. I first caught this eclectic 5 piece at the finals for the 2018 CV Music Showcase where they placed 2nd after Willdabeast and Desert Rhythm Project, (which is a feat for which there is no shame). The flow of their set takes the audience on a beautifully structured, melodic journey with a sound that is sensuously palatable to pretty much anyone. Showcasing multiple genres skillfully and seamlessly, a Manuel the Band show is something you could take your parents to or your kids to and everyone would love it. That’s not to imply that they don’t have any edge because that is certainly something they have plenty of.-Esther Sanchez, CV Weekly

From the mountain of curly hair on top of drummer Brandon “Fro Bro” Charlesworth’s head to the fire behind the glasses of veteran jazz saxophonist Matt Kalin, each member of the sextet looks like they belong in an entirely different genre of music. Independently, they all sound just as different as they appear, but somehow the diverse hurricane of music swirls around frontman (and namesake) Manuel Grajeda’s indie rock sensibilities for a very danceable and soulful blend unlike anyone else who ever shares a bill with them.-Josh Chesler, OC Weekly